Flag of Taiwan
Taiwan celebrates Republic Day, the 1911 anniversary of the Chinese Revolution. Located between the Taiwan Strait and the Philippine Sea, the main island and several smaller islands have an area of about 1.15 times the size of Maryland. Over 23 million people live in Taiwan, and Taipei is the capital. Children could learn more at: Taiwan.
Flag of Fiji
Fiji celebrates Independence Day. The United Kingdom gave up custody of the three hundred islands in 1970. The islands, located in the South Pacific, depend on agriculture and tourism for income. The total area of Fiji is about the area of the state of New Jersey. Around 900,000 people live there. Suva is the capital. Older children could learn more at: Fiji.
Naval Cadets Photographed between 1890 and 1901
United States Naval Academy opened in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1845. Fifty students were taught by seven professors. Today the academy has an enrollment around 4500, and the academic staff exceeds 500.
Synthetic detergent (Dreft, produced by Proctor and Gamble) was sold in 1933. Older children can learn the differences between soap and detergent at a GREAT website: https://www.explainthatstuff.com/detergents.html.
London Bridge, Lake Havasu City, Arizona
London Bridge was moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, in 1971. Spanning the River Thames, London Bridge was built in 1831. However, by around 1970 the bridge was not structurally sound for modern traffic. The government planned to dismantle it. Robert P. McCulloch, founder of Lake Havasu City, purchased the bridge. The pieces were dismantled, numbered, shipped to Arizona, and reassembled. The bridge, connecting portions of Lake Havasu City, has become a tourist attraction.
Nancy L. Carlson (born Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1953) has written and illustrated over 60 books for children. Her works include the Harriet series and the Loudmouth George series. Children can visit her website at: Nancy Carlson.
James Marshall (born San Antonio, Texas, 1942; died New York, New York, October 13, 1992) was a children’s author and illustrator. He wrote among other works the Miss Nelson books. He also created the George and Martha series. Children can learn more at: James Marshall.
Daniel San Souci (born San Francisco, California, 1948) is a children’s book author and illustrator. One of his books is Ice Bear and Little Fox. He often worked with his brother, Robert.
Robert San Souci (born San Francisco, California, 1946; died San Francisco, California, December 19, 2014) was a children’s book author. His books include Fa Mulan and Sister Tricksters.
Giuseppi Verdi (born Le Roncole, Italy, 1813; died Milan, Italy, January 27, 1901) was a composer. His works include Rigoletto and Aida.
Benjamin West Self-Portrait
Benjamin West (born near Springfield, Pennsylvania, 1738; died London, England, March 11, 1820) was a painter. Children can view several of his works at: Benjamin West.
United Nations Flag
International Day of the Girl Child is today! The United Nations created the day in 2012, and this year’s theme is Digital Generation. Our Generation. The United Nations states, “On 11 October, International Day of the Girl, we are working alongside all girls to expand existing learning opportunities, chart new pathways and calling on the global community to rethink how to prepare them for a successful transition into the world of work.” Children can learn more at: Girl Child.
Penguins Migrate!
World Migratory Bird Day is today. Held on the second Saturday in May (May 10, 2025) and on the second Saturday in October, the day brings to light the plights of a number of migratory birds. This year’s theme is Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities. Children could learn more at: World Migratory Bird Day. Idea: Children could make a list of migratory birds that are not found in the children’s home territory. For example, Emperor Penguins and Arctic Terns migrate.
Casimir Pulaski
Portrait by Jan Styka
General Pulaski Memorial Day is celebrated by Presidential Proclamation. The first proclamation was issued in 1929. Casimir Pulaski was a Polish hero who died in the Battle of Savannah in 1779. The day remembers his death and honors all Polish-Americans. Children could learn more at: Casimir Pulaski.
Collapsible tubing was patented by John Goffe Rand in 1841. A painter and inventor, Rand invented the tubing to store oil paints. Prior to his invention, oil paints were compounded on palettes, so often oil paints were wasted. Rand received Patent Number 2,252. Children could view his patent at: Collapsible Tubing. Idea: Children could list other substances contained in collapsible tubes today.